Open to opportunities

Caroline Harper

@carolineharper

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Experienced supply planning professional with a focus on operational excellence.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that fosters collaboration and innovation in supply chain management.

With over 20 years of experience in supply planning, demand planning, and inventory management, I have a proven track record of driving operational excellence across diverse supply chains. My expertise lies in optimizing end-to-end planning, managing co-packer relationships, and analyzing forecasts to ensure timely product delivery. I have successfully spearheaded cost-saving initiatives and have a strong background in SAP and Blue Yonder.

In my recent role as Supply Planning Manager at Dole Packaged Foods, I led end-to-end supply planning for innovative projects, optimizing inventory management and ensuring seamless execution across various components. I partnered with IT operations to implement the Blue Yonder planning tool, enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy. My ability to conduct scenario analysis and collaborate with internal and external teams has been instrumental in maintaining seamless supply chain operations.

Throughout my career, I have developed strong analytical skills, enabling me to interpret demand trends and guide purchasing decisions effectively. I am passionate about leveraging my experience to contribute to a dynamic team focused on achieving strategic goals and enhancing supply chain performance.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Supply Planning Manager, Innovation

Dole Packaged Foods

Apr 2023 - Jun 2025 (2 years 2 months)

Led end-to-end supply planning for 3PM tolling co-pack innovation projects, optimizing inventory management and ensuring seamless execution across ingredients, packaging, capacity, and logistics. Partnered with IT operations to successfully implement the Blue Yonder (BY) planning tool, defining Weeks of Supply (WOS), replenishment pathways, and dependent supply to optimize inventory management.

Inventory Management Blue Yonder Capacity Planning Risk Mitigation SAP Microsoft Office 365

Senior Inventory Planner

Helmet House

Oct 2021 - Apr 2023 (1 year 6 months)

Analyzed sales vs. forecast, monitored BOD metrics, and interpreted seasonal and erratic demand trends to guide purchasing decisions. Created and managed purchase orders based on historical sales data, special orders, and future forecasts. Developed and maintained a Product Release Calendar to align NPI (New Product Introduction) stages across departments.

Sales Forecasting SKU Rationalization Warehouse operations Microsoft Excel

Demand Planner/Operations Manager

BWI, Inc

Feb 2006 - Sep 2021 (15 years 7 months)

Managed end-to-end supply chain operations from new product introduction (NPI) through forecasting, procurement, and goods receipt. Developed and maintained a master forecast in collaboration with sales, marketing, and operations, utilizing historical data, sales intelligence, and new product listings. Coordinated with international freight forwarders to consolidate shipments and maximize freight

demand planning Operations Management Supply Chain Management Forecasting Procurement Freight Management Budget Management SAP

Senior CS Planner/Procurement Specialist

Greene Tweed & Co Ltd

Jul 1998 - Nov 2005 (7 years 4 months)

Negotiated supplier agreements to implement global standardization plans, including Kanban and consignment stock, improving operational efficiency. Led cost-saving initiatives, reducing annual domestic freight expenses by 60% through optimized logistics. Contributed to the Global Inventory Reduction Team, successfully lowering inventory levels by 5% while maintaining supply chain integrity.

Procurement Cost Saving Initiatives Inventory Reduction Logistics Optimization Supply Chain Management Global Standardization

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Derby

Graduate Diploma, Purchasing & Supply

Comprehensive study of supply and demand dynamics, covering legal frameworks, operations management, supply & materials handling, and procurement processes to drive efficient and strategic decision-making in supply chain management.

South Nottingham College

HNC Business, Business

Comprehensive coursework in business and finance, covering marketing, communication, strategic problem-solving, statistics, management accounting, and quantitative techniques to drive effective decision-making and operational efficiency.